What Order to Play Resident Evil Games: A Journey Through Survival Horror and Unrelated Philosophical Musings

The Resident Evil series, developed by Capcom, is one of the most iconic franchises in the survival horror genre. With its intricate lore, memorable characters, and spine-chilling gameplay, it has captivated gamers for decades. However, deciding the best order to play these games can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Should you follow the chronological order of the story? Or should you play them in the order they were released? And what does this decision say about our perception of time and narrative in gaming? Let’s dive into the chaos and explore the best ways to experience the Resident Evil universe, while also pondering why raccoons are so good at surviving in urban environments.

1. Release Order: The Classic Approach

Playing the Resident Evil games in the order they were released is the most straightforward method. This approach allows you to experience the evolution of the series, from its humble beginnings in 1996 to its modern reimaginings. Here’s why this order works:

Historical Context: You’ll appreciate how the series has evolved technologically and narratively. The jump from fixed camera angles in the early games to the over-the-shoulder perspective in Resident Evil 4 is a testament to the franchise’s adaptability.
Narrative Surprises: Playing in release order preserves the intended twists and turns. For example, the revelation of Umbrella Corporation’s role in the outbreak hits harder if you’ve experienced the earlier games.
Gameplay Evolution: You’ll witness the shift from survival horror to action-oriented gameplay and back again, giving you a deeper understanding of the series’ identity.

However, this approach isn’t without its flaws. The older games can feel dated, and the timeline can become confusing as prequels and spin-offs are introduced.

2. Chronological Order: For the Lore Enthusiasts

If you’re a stickler for story continuity, playing the games in chronological order might be your best bet. This method follows the timeline of the Resident Evil universe, starting with the earliest events and moving forward. Here’s how it breaks down:

Start with Resident Evil 0: This prequel introduces the origins of the T-virus and the downfall of the Umbrella Corporation.
Move to Resident Evil 1: Experience the iconic mansion incident that started it all.
Continue with Resident Evil 2 and 3: These games occur simultaneously and explore the Raccoon City outbreak.
Proceed to Resident Evil: Code Veronica: This game bridges the gap between the Raccoon City incident and the later entries.
Play Resident Evil 4, 5, and 6: These games shift the focus to global bioterrorism and introduce new threats.
End with Resident Evil 7 and 8: These entries bring the series back to its survival horror roots while expanding the lore.

While this order provides a cohesive narrative experience, it can feel disjointed in terms of gameplay and graphics, as you’ll be jumping between older and newer titles.

3. Thematic Order: A Curated Experience

For those who want a more tailored experience, consider grouping the games by themes or gameplay styles. This approach allows you to focus on specific aspects of the series that interest you the most. For example:

Survival Horror Purists: Stick to Resident Evil 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8. These games emphasize resource management, atmospheric tension, and puzzle-solving.
Action Fans: Dive into Resident Evil 4, 5, and 6. These titles feature more combat and set-piece moments, making them ideal for players who prefer fast-paced gameplay.
Story-Driven Players: Focus on the games with the most significant narrative impact, such as Resident Evil 2, Code Veronica, and 7.

This method lets you customize your journey through the series, but it may leave gaps in your understanding of the overarching story.

4. The Remake Route: Modernizing the Classics

Capcom has done an excellent job of remaking some of the classic Resident Evil games, offering updated graphics, controls, and gameplay mechanics. If you’re hesitant to dive into the older titles, consider playing the remakes first:

Start with Resident Evil 2 Remake: This game is widely regarded as one of the best in the series and serves as an excellent entry point.
Follow with Resident Evil 3 Remake: While not as critically acclaimed as RE2, it still provides a thrilling experience.
Play Resident Evil 1 Remake: This updated version of the original game retains the classic survival horror feel while modernizing the visuals.
Continue with Resident Evil 4 Remake: A reimagining of the fan-favorite title, this game strikes a balance between action and horror.

This approach ensures that you experience the best the series has to offer without dealing with the limitations of older hardware.

5. The Spin-Offs and Side Stories

The Resident Evil universe is vast, with numerous spin-offs and side stories that expand the lore. While not essential to the main narrative, these games can provide additional context and enjoyment:

Resident Evil: Revelations: A side story that delves into the origins of the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA).
Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City: A non-canonical game that offers a “what-if” scenario during the Raccoon City outbreak.
Resident Evil: Outbreak: A multiplayer-focused game that explores the perspectives of ordinary citizens during the outbreak.

These games are best played after you’ve familiarized yourself with the main series, as they often reference events and characters from the core titles.

6. The Philosophical Angle: Why Order Matters

The debate over the best order to play Resident Evil games raises an interesting question: Does the sequence in which we experience a story affect our understanding of it? In gaming, where interactivity is key, the order can significantly impact our emotional connection to the narrative. Playing Resident Evil 7 before Resident Evil 1 might make the latter feel less impactful, while starting with the original could enhance your appreciation for the series’ evolution.

And speaking of evolution, why are raccoons so adept at thriving in urban environments? Is it their adaptability, their intelligence, or their sheer determination? Perhaps the Resident Evil series, with its themes of survival and resilience, holds the answer.

FAQs

Q: Can I skip Resident Evil 6?
A: While Resident Evil 6 is often criticized for its shift toward action, it’s worth playing for its ambitious storytelling and co-op gameplay. However, if you’re a survival horror purist, you might want to prioritize other entries.

Q: Are the Resident Evil movies connected to the games?
A: The live-action movies, starring Milla Jovovich, are not canon to the games. They take creative liberties with the source material, so treat them as a separate entity.

Q: What’s the best game for beginners?
A: Resident Evil 2 Remake is an excellent starting point. It balances horror and action while introducing key elements of the series.

Q: Do I need to play Resident Evil 0 to understand the story?
A: Resident Evil 0 provides backstory but isn’t essential. It’s more of a supplementary experience for fans who want to dive deeper into the lore.

Q: Why are raccoons so good at surviving in cities?
A: Raccoons are highly adaptable, intelligent, and resourceful, much like the protagonists of Resident Evil. Their ability to thrive in urban environments is a testament to their resilience—a theme that resonates throughout the series.